With The Immortal Seventh Division | Page 9

for life, but alas! died a few hours afterwards.
The Divisional Head-quarters being established at Ypres, my unit moved out to its
Brigade, which occupied the line of trenches in the neighbourhood of Zandvoorde.
Arriving at our position in the dusk of a quickly parting day, we found ourselves actually
posted in front of the firing line. Disagreeable as the experience was, there was nothing
for it but to stick it. In a wood close by, the enemy had machine guns, supported by a
body of Uhlans. Disturbing sniping took place at intervals through the night, which
rendered the bivouac unpleasant in the extreme. We slept on the ground between the
wagons; and under the circumstances I felt it wise to keep as low down as possible, as
'fire' is in no sense discriminating.
Our Brigade Head-quarters were at Kruiseck, to which place I rode early one morning
with our Major, to inspect farmhouses, with a view to arranging Field Dressing Stations.
Later in the day calling at Head-quarters to inquire if there were any funerals requiring
my attention, I found the whole place in extreme excitement; Uhlans were advancing in
force. Every hedgerow and wall was lined with our men; the scared inhabitants, utterly
unnerved by shell fire, were fleeing from the place. Their appearance was heartrending,
and revealed the unutterable horror of war as carried into the midst of a peaceful

population.
My ride back to my unit in the gloaming was sufficiently adventurous to please the most
reckless man, owing to the proximity of the Uhlans, and gave a zest not often met with to
the three or four miles which had to be traversed. Never did I strain my eyes more eagerly,
and somewhat after the fashion of Jehu of yore I made my way along the deserted track
into a place of comparative safety.
From the neighbourhood of Zandvoorde my unit was hurriedly moved to Gheluvelt,
which was then threatened by a German force approaching from the direction of
Bercelaire.
Here the whole population was in a state of indescribable anxiety and fear, which it was
impossible to remove, for the shells were more convincing than any arguments we could
bring to bear.
Our Head-quarters were established at a Xaverian Brotherhood; the superior of which--a
dear old gentleman--did his utmost to ensure our comfort. It was weary work hanging
about all day awaiting results. Towards evening I thought it wise to get a sleep, and so
turned in about five o'clock. During these days of constant anxiety, owing to the
proximity of the enemy, we seldom or never removed our clothes,--I had not had mine
off for over a week at that time--thus we were ready for any emergency, at any time.
From the village of Gheluvelt we moved on a mile nearer to Ypres, where we billeted in
the Chateau de Gheluvelt, from which the owner (Monsieur Peerebone) and his family
had evidently departed in great haste. Finely situated in a well wooded park, the house
was most splendidly equipped in every respect. The pictures, statuary and furniture were
in keeping with the outward appearance of the place. It was interesting to notice the
different manner of dealing with other people's property in vogue with the British, in
contrast with the German method; so rigid was our O.C. that not even a vegetable was
allowed to be taken from the well-stocked walled garden, close by the mansion; a sentry
being placed to prevent any hungry 'Tommy' gratifying his desire in that quarter.
Towards evening a general engagement took place, and there was very heavy shelling.
Several shells struck the house, but none of us were injured. On the following morning I
was called to an advanced outpost of the Scots Guards, to bury Sergeant Wilson, of Lord
Esmé Gordon's Company. On reaching the line I found the Battalion about to advance
into action in extended order, and the man had been hurriedly buried. On my way back I
joined Captain Hamilton Wedderburn, Adjutant, who had been ordered to the rear
suffering from appendicitis. I had met this officer's father, Colonel Hamilton, who resided
in my neighbourhood at home.
During the night several wounded men came in, and the large salon presented a weird
appearance as the doctors attended the suffering men. No cooking was allowed, and all
windows were carefully curtained, in order not to draw the fire of the enemy, who were
in very unpleasant proximity to the house. I well remember next morning, because the
Germans had got the range to a nicety, and the otherwise enjoyable place was rendered

unbearable by the crash of shells. So unhealthy grew the position, that the transport was
moved a mile away; but we who composed the tent section remained to deal with any
men who were